Christmas Day Bread Recipe

Christmas Star Twisted Bread 

A few weeks before Thanksgiving, I saw the cover of Taste of Home magazine with this gorgeous looking bread spread across the page. I immediately snapped a photo and told myself I'd make it for Thanksgiving. In fact, I'd even do a practice one before Thanksgiving to make sure it turned out ok.....well Thanksgiving came and Thanksgiving bread and still the closest I got to baking the bread was sending a text saying that I wanted to do it. 

This is the first Christmas that Brad and I don't have roommates and so I took the opportunity to create some new traditions just for us! This was my chance to finally make this epic looking bread! The first time I tried it, I followed the recipe perfectly and was so excited when the bread actually rose during the hour sit time (I didn't have high hopes for my bread making skills so that fact that I could do it means anyone can.) The only problem with the first batch was that once it had the slightest golden brown top, I took it out and started eating. The edges were good but the middle was a sad state of dough.

I could tell that it would be really good with a different filler and so I decided to give it another go for my company Christmas potluck, this time with pesto and cheese. I stayed patient and let it bake and bake and gave it the good old toothpick test just to make sure it was cooked and was so happy about how it turned out.

So the verdict is in from me, Brad and all my co-workers that this bread tastes as good as it looks. Whether you want something sweet for Christmas morning or a delicious savory appetizer/side for Christmas Eve dinner, this bread is sure to be a conversation starter and taste oh so good. 

Hope your Christmas is filled with delicious goodies and if you want to add this one to your table, here is the original recipe link and below are some other filling ideas that Brad and I brainstormed to try next time.

Filling Options:
Pesto & Cheese
Raspberry Jam
Marionberry Jam
Nutella
Marinara & Mozerella
Garlic Butter & Rosemary

Enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

xoxo,
Jessica

P.S. I'd love to hear your favorite traditions too! What is one of your favorite Christmas day recipes to share with your family?